We drove out to a nearby tree farm and purchased a small blue spruce. Dan Young, the owner of the tree farm, escorted us out among his trees and let us pick one that was still growing, so we know it is fresh!

We found a tree stand at the local Goodwill store that still had the orignial wrapping and advertizement on it and got it for half what we would have paid at the nearby Wal mart. It didn't take long before we had it up and on display in the living room of our residence on Hopes Way.

Several months ago, we went out to a yard sale in Montvale, about 12 miles west of Bedford and bought all the Hallmark christmas ornaments the lady had available. She had actually put things away and was closing up shop when we arrived, but graciously brought out her christmas ornaments for us to look at. They were all still in their original little boxes and in excellent shape. So, although we didn't bring any of our christmas decorations with us we have been most fortunate to have found some at a minimal cost.

Christmas is coming!

This picture was taken as we ended our recent Zone Conference, held at the Roanoke Virginia Stake Center in Salem, Virginia. The only missionary missing from this photo is Sister Linda Chapman.

It was a very fine conference with excellent presentations from the Zone Leaders and from the two Assistants to the President, and of course from our dear President and Sister Thornock (they were taking the pictures).